6 Ways To Keep Simple From Getting Complex

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simplicity_profile_shotEDITOR’S NOTE: This is a guest post from Leo Babauta, author of Top 25 blog Zen Habits and best-selling book, The Power of Less.

When Apple designed the beautifully simple iPod, with its minimalist interface, they must have faced a conundrum: How do you keep things simple when there are always other important features you want to add, new buttons that add so much more functionality?

In the software world, this is known as “feature creep” — new features are added and added until things are no longer simple, but complex.

In the world of simplicity, things are never as simple as they seem. Things tend to grow more complex over time — simplicity takes hard work to maintain.

How does Apple keep its minimalist interface if it wants to keep adding new features? How does the designer of a simple WordPress theme keep things simple if he wants to add new features for his users?

How do you declutter a room and keep it from getting cluttered again? How do you simplify your work routine — and keep it simple? Read more »

How To Live In Your Sweet Spot

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content-with-lifeImage courtesy of LaserGuided

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a guest post from Jeremy Day of Insight Writer.

The days of us personal development bloggers talking about life balance almost seem to be over.

We used to talk about it so much. Yet it seems that the subject of life balance has gone more or less quiet in most circles.

What gives?

I think people are a bit jaded with the idea of balancing it all. Many people try it and fail. Or do it, but it seems to only last for a short time.

I have another idea. How about we look at just staying in our sweet spot? Read more »

Simplicity: The Value of JUST ENOUGH

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simplicityImage courtesy of Raelene G

Let’s say you’re looking to buy a new office chair.  You’re standing in the store, staring at your two options.  Very similar in shape, size and color, these two chairs have much in common.  You sit down in the first one…fits like a glove!  You then peruse its options and find that it can change height, it swivels with ease and that’s about it.  You then look at the price tag and see that it can be had for less than a hundred dollars.  Now you sit down in the other chair.  Just as comfortable and with the same basic features.  Then you notice some buttons on the arm rest.  Wow, this baby has a built in massager and can be adjusted electronically.  Also, the back has heat capability and there’s even a flip up cup holder on the right side.  Excited by the bells and whistles, you check out the price tag and take a second to adjust to the fact that it’s more than double the cost of the first option.  Which one should you buy and how does simplicity play a role in making such a decision? Read more »

Video Interview With Leo Babauta Of Zen Habits On BlogopolisBlueprint.com

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Last night I had the privilege to talk with Leo Babauta of Zen Habits about his latest book, The Power of Less.  He talks about some of the benefits of the book and shares some really great tips and insight.  Then, he’s offered to take on some questions from the readers about blogging.  So once you guys ask your questions in the comments, Sean and I will then pick out some of our favorites to ask Leo in our second interview tonight.  So be sure to go over to the Blueprint right now, watch the video and post a question if you have one.  I’ll see you over there!

Simplicity is our ally!

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If you ever keep track of your own productivity you will most likely find that it is when you stay on task that you get the most done.  Well, duh!  I know, this sounds like all out common sense.  But we often are blind to how much we get off track when we are working on a task.  Whether we over focus on unimportant details or spend half our time trying to wade through the clutter to find things, how complex our physical and mental lives are plays a great role in how efficiently we can get things done. Read more »